Want It To Work It

by tinareale on April 10, 2013

This post is written as part of a sponsored partnership between myself and the Women’s Running Series with FitFluential. I look forward to sharing my training experiences and special promotions. If you’re looking for more information about these great races, I suggest checking out the Women’s Running Series website or connecting with WRS on Facebook and Twitter. You can also follow along with my and others’ training with the #beamazing hashtag – or to connect with other fit minded women. Or join me and register now using the following:

$10 OFF NASHVILLE TN WOMEN’S RUNNING SERIES DISCOUNT CODE:FITTNTINA

Okay, let’s talk motivation. I have to confess that for a long while there I wasn’t all that motivated with my workouts. Sure, I still got them done because I always know how much better I feel when I get in some quality exercise, but I never really felt that drive if you know what I mean.

I would rarely challenge myself in a workout and often felt as though I was going through the motions. Occasionally something would pump me up, like new workout DVDs or some occasional exciting runs post-break. But it wasn’t the same as the energy I get when I have a goal to work toward.

That’s when it hit me – you have got to WANT IT in order to truly WORK IT.

I didn’t have the same quality, intensity, and motivation for my workouts because I didn’t have near as much desire. I thrive on having fitness goals, which is why I competed in a fitness competition and then why I fell in love with running and participating in races. When I had to take a step back from running, I lost some of that workout inspiration.

I needed that time away, no doubt, but I sure missed having a race to get excited over. Now, that fire is back. I have one exciting race coming up in a few weeks, but then to keep that energy going I decided to up the ante and go ahead and put a half marathon on my schedule again.

I’ve always been interested in the Women’s Running Series races and actually had talked about doing the St. Petersburg race this fall. Then, funny how things work out, I received the chance to partner with Women’s Running through Fitfluential and chronicle my journey back to my all time favorite race distance – the half marathon.

I cannot wait. Especially since I have only heard good things about the Women’s Running Series races.

They still have a few races left this year, if you’re looking for some summer or fall races to add to your schedule:

Bloomington, MN on June 16th (only 67 days until race day, so get in quick!)

St. Petersburg, FL on November 24 (still plan to do this one, if not this year then in the next few years!)

And if you decide to sign up for the Nashville Race, you can get $10 off registration to the Nashville race with code FITTNTINA.

How’s that for a nice perk? Come hang out in a very cool city and run a race? One of my favorite pastimes!

Can you tell I’m pumped about this? I think it’s safe to say I’m ready to work it because now I really, really, really want it.

How does the “want it to work it” apply to you right now? What are you wanting and working for?

Disclosure: I am running in the Women’s Running Series Nashville race as part of my relationship with FitFluential Race entry and compensation are provided for my participation in this campaign. For more information about such partnerships, please visit my Disclosure Policy.

This is so true! I have found that if I don’t have a plan for the week and things to look forward to, I don’t enjoy my workouts nearly as much or work out nearly as hard! This is awesome for you, though, to do this half!! Looks super fun! Maybe you will even be living there at that point

I think you nailed it with this post. I love to workout but there are some days that I feel like I’m just going through the motions because it’s what I do. Maybe I should pick a goal (besides my 50 in October – a closer one) and use that on the days when I need some extra motivation!

Love this post! Thanks for the inspiration You are making me want to sign up for the Nashville race! If I didn’t move and was still living in Atlanta I would! Can’t wait to here about it Good luck with your training!

I ran the St. Petersburg half 2 years ago and it was amazing! The course was nice and flat and went right past the water. It was gorgeous and the weather couldn’t have been any better. I strongly suggest getting down there to do it again. I am definitely planning on it!

I went through a similar lull in my fitness motivation a few months ago, but I’m in the wanting it and working it stage now! I signed up for a tough mudder the first weekend of June, my goal is to enjoy the race and have fun during it, and finish feeling strong!

Oh man, having those goals to work for is such a game changer for me when it comes to fitness. Right now I’m just trying to maintain a general fitness base before I start training for my marathon, and it’s a lot harder to work up the motivation to get a workout in than it is when I’ve got something I know I’m working towards. Excited to hear how your training and race goes!

Tina… I’m new to running and have two 1/2 marathons coming up here. Which headphones do you use? I’ve found that the ones that I have (cheap drugstore ones) won’t stay in while I run AND which watch do you have? I would like to track my information and thus far have used my cell phone, however would like something that will track my heart rate as well.
Thank you! BTW.. I’m loving the BBBC!!!

I have two pairs that I love but one way more than the other. I have some YurBuds which work GREAT and are more affordable for high end headphones. The ones I use all the time now are the JayBird Bluebuds X wireless headphones. I love them because they have no cords to tangle up in. I was sent them for review (you can find it on my blog). They are more pricey because of the bluetooth technology but worth it if you have the money for them and really want something higher quality wiht additional functions/perks.

I love the “want it to work it” mentality and totally agree. For me — I want to fit in me workouts whenever I can so for me to ‘work it’ I look for those little pockets of time when I can fit in a me workout in between teaching and stuff and that’s what drives my personal fitness goals these days. Isn’t it neat when you step back and can clearly see exactly what motivates you? And how that motivation can change by the month or even day?

This is spot on…and why I race too! I can’t just “run”, I need a goal to keep me focused and motivated. I know some people don’t need that, but I think it’s important to know how you are motivated. And I’m excited we’re going to work together again.

St. Pete is one I’m contemplating this fall – although I think it coincides with another race I want to do! I did it a few years ago and it’s so fun. We might have to both add it to our schedule next year instead!

I seriously cannot wait to run again (you might have gathered that) — it’s so close I can taste it

I love the “want it work it” theory! It is so true. I know when I am not really in the mood to work out, I don’t go as hard when I am running or at the gym. Right now I want to work out but I can’t because I am sick, so I know that as soon as I am better I will work out hard because I will want it more!